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Japan Theatre Newsroom

The latest news on live theatre in Japan from Broadway shows on tour to regional theatre.

Japanese Revival of GYPSY Will Be Titled ROSE for 2026 Production
by Joshua Wright - January 27, 2026
The upcoming Japanese revival of their 2023 production of Gypsy will be presented under a new title. When the production returns to the stage in 2026, it will be known in Japan as Rose.
WEST. RELEASES NEW SINGLE “AISYU,” THE THEME SONG FOR RYUSEI FUJII’S ROMANCE-SUSPENSE DRAMA
by Ayaka Ozaki - January 22, 2026
Japanese boy band WEST. has released “Aisyu (愛執),' a new track now available to download and stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
KENTO NAKAJIMA SHATTERS THE IDOL MOLD WITH SINFULLY-SEXY NEW SINGLE 'XTC'
by Ayaka Ozaki - January 13, 2026
Solo artist Kento Nakajima has released “XTC,” a sinfully-sexy lead track from his highly anticipated solo project now available to download and stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
STARTO ENTERTAINMENT RINGS IN 2026 WITH 'COUNTDOWN CONCERT' GLOBAL STREAMING ON NETFLIX
by Ayaka Ozaki - January 10, 2026
Following a spectacular sold-out performance at Tokyo Dome, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT’s annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza, 'COUNTDOWN CONCERT 2025–2026 STARTO to MOVE,' is now available for global audiences to stream on Netflix. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of J-pop’s most influential artists, the showcase serves as a vibrant celebration of the agency's rich musical legacy and its promising future on the world stage.
The New National Theatre Tokyo Will Host English-Guided Backstage Tours
by BWW News Desk - January 06, 2026
The New National Theatre Tokyo will be hosting English-guided backstage tours during the first quarter of 2026. Learn more about how to attend a tour here!
J-POP DUO KING & PRINCE UNVEILS CINE-THEMATIC ALBUM ‘STARRING,’ NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE
by Ayaka Ozaki - December 29, 2025
Chart-topping J-pop duo King & Prince has unveiled their seventh studio album STARRING, inviting audiences into a uniquely cinematic universe. The full album is now available to download and stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and other major platforms.
Photos: Tokyo ComicCon 2025
by Ayaka Ozaki - December 18, 2025
​​​​​​​Tokyo ComicCon: Since its launch in 2016, Tokyo Comic Con has served as a celebration of pop culture, offering fans the chance to interact with internationally renowned actors and acclaimed artists, view and photograph screen-used props, and connect through cosplay and fan communities. The event has previously welcomed global stars such as Chris Hemsworth and Orlando Bloom, and its ninth edition returned from December 5 for a three-day run in 2025. This year, the appearance of Johnny Depp generated nationwide excitement. The edition also featured an unprecedented number of celebrity guests, including Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings”), Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future”), Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead”), Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts”), and Sebastian Stan (“Thunderbolts*”). Koji Yamamoto served as the official ambassador, while the main stage was hosted by Yuichi Nakamaru and LiLiCo. This article presents a digest of the highlights from the event’s three days on the main stage.
東京コミコン2025を写真で振り返る
by Ayaka Ozaki - December 17, 2025
​​​​​​​東京コミコン:2016年以来、海外の有名俳優や著名アーティストとのコミュニケーション、映画で使用された小道具の展示・撮影、コスプレイヤー同士の交流の場などを設けているポップ・カルチャーの祭典。過去にはクリス・ヘムズワース、オーランド・ブルームなどが集結し、東京コミコン 2025が12月5日から3日間開催。9回目となる今回はジョニー・デップも参加し、日本中で大きな話題を呼んだ。他にもアンバサダーに山本耕史、来日セレブにイライジャ・ウッド(『ロード・オブ・ザ・リング』等)、クリストファー・ロイド(『バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー』等)、ノーマン・リーダス(『ウォーキング・デッド』等)、マッツ・ミケルセン(『ファンタスティック・ビースト』等)、セバスチャン・スタン(『サンダーボルツ*』等)ら、過去最多のセレブが参加。また、メインMCを中丸雄一とLiLiCoが担当した。こちらでは三日間のメインステージの様子を写真でお届けする。
Travis Japan Shares New Album “’s travelers” Across Global Streaming Platforms
by Ayaka Ozaki - December 02, 2025
Japanese boy band Travis Japan has released their third studio album “’s travelers,” now available to download and stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Review: Disney's FROZEN in Tokyo
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 30, 2025
Based on the 2013 animated feature Frozen — one of the most beloved films in the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios — the stage musical premiered on Broadway in 2018 and opened in Japan in 2021 at JR East Shiki Theatre [HARU].
timelesz’ first album under the new lineup, “FAM,” is now available worldwide
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 30, 2025
Japanese boy band timelesz has released their long-awaited studio album “FAM,” marking their first album under the new lineup, now available to stream worldwide on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
公演レポート:ディズニーミュージカル『アナと雪の女王』
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 28, 2025
『アナと雪の女王』:2013年公開、国内史上最も愛されたウォルト・ディズニー・アニメーション・スタジオ映画『アナと雪の女王』をもとに舞台化。2018年にブロードウェイ初演を迎え、日本では劇団四季により2021年にJR東日本四季劇場[春]で開幕。「Let It Go」でアカデミー歌曲賞を受賞したロペス夫妻が作詞・作曲を手がけ、10曲以上もの新曲が追加された。”真実の愛”によって解き放たれる、二人の姉妹の物語。 劇団四季が誇るディズニーミュージカル『アナと雪の女王』が、観客を氷と雪の世界へと誘った。幕が上がると同時に広がるのは、圧倒的なスケールと緻密な舞台装置が織りなす壮大な物語の始まりである。
佐野勇斗らが示した存在感 — VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025 授賞式レポート
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 28, 2025
VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025:世界で最も影響⼒のあるファッション誌『VOGUE JAPAN』(コンデナスト・ジャパン発⾏)が行っている、その年を彩った才能あふれる表現者や⽬覚ましい活躍をみせたニューカマー、キャリアにおける⼤きな転機・⾶躍をむかえた⽅など、多ジャンルで活躍するアイコニックな⼈々を讃えるアワード。今年はSnow Man(アーティスト)、北川景⼦(俳優)、佐野勇⽃(俳優)、横浜流星(俳優)HANA(アーティスト)、⾒上愛(俳優)、VERDY(デザイナー)、⼤⽉壮⼠(デザイナー)が受賞。こちらでは、11月25日に行われた授賞式での、佐野勇⽃、⾒上愛、HANA、VERDY、⼤⽉壮⼠の登壇模様をお届けする。
Hayato Sano and Fellow Honorees Command the Spotlight — VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 28, 2025
VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025 is an annual honor presented by VOGUE JAPAN, one of the world’s most influential fashion magazines published by Condé Nast Japan. The award celebrates iconic individuals across diverse fields — visionary talents who defined the year, remarkable newcomers who made striking breakthroughs, and artists whose careers reached pivotal moments of evolution. This year’s recipients include Snow Man (Artist), Keiko Kitagawa (Actor), Hayato Sano (Actor), Ryusei Yokohama (Actor), HANA (Artist), Ai Mikami (Actor), VERDY (Designer), and Soshi Otsuki (Designer). This feature highlights the November 25 ceremony appearances of Hayato Sano, Ai Mikami, HANA, VERDY, and Soshi Otsuki.
SNOW MAN UNCUT REPORT — VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 27, 2025
VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025 is an annual honor presented by VOGUE JAPAN, one of the world’s most influential fashion magazines published by Condé Nast Japan. The award celebrates iconic individuals across diverse fields — visionary talents who defined the year, remarkable newcomers who made striking breakthroughs, and artists whose careers reached pivotal moments of evolution. This year’s recipients include Snow Man (Artist), Keiko Kitagawa (Actor), Hayato Sano (Actor), Ryusei Yokohama (Actor), HANA (Artist), Ai Mikami (Actor), VERDY (Designer), and Soshi Otsuki (Designer). This feature delivers the full, uncut on-stage appearance of Ren Meguro and Raul during the awards ceremony on November 25.
Snow Manノーカットレポート -VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025 -
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 26, 2025
VOGUE THE ONES TO WATCH 2025:世界で最も影響⼒のあるファッション誌『VOGUE JAPAN』(コンデナスト・ジャパン発⾏)が行っている、その年を彩った才能あふれる表現者や⽬覚ましい活躍をみせたニューカマー、キャリアにおける⼤きな転機・⾶躍をむかえた⽅など、多ジャンルで活躍するアイコニックな⼈々を讃えるアワード。今年はSnow Man(アーティスト)、北川景⼦(俳優)、佐野勇⽃(俳優)、横浜流星(俳優)HANA(アーティスト)、⾒上愛(俳優)、VERDY(デザイナー)、⼤⽉壮⼠(デザイナー)が受賞。こちらでは、11月25日に行われたの授賞式での目黒とラウールの登壇模様をノーカットでお届けする。
Feature: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN COMPLETE WINTER GUIDE — A FIVE-SENSE JOURNEY THROUGH THE SEASON
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 26, 2025
This winter, Universal Studios Japan unveiled a full slate of seasonal offerings, from the Christmas Food Festival and a brand-new nighttime show to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of JAWS, special winter theming in the Wizarding World, and the debut restaurant for Monster Hunter. A variety of new experiences emerged across the park, creating a journey in which every step reveals a new story. Brand Ambassador Takumi Kitamura also appeared at the preview event, lending star power to the opening of the winter season. This feature introduces the key experiences shaping the park’s wintertime atmosphere.
特集:北村匠海も歓喜!冬のUSJ完全ガイド ~ 五感で巡る“最幸”のパーク体験 ~
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 23, 2025
この冬、ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパンでは、フード・フェスティバル、ナイトショー、『ジョーズ』映画公開50周年イベント、ウィザーディング・ワールドの冬演出、さらにはクールジャパンの新レストランまで、季節を象徴する多彩なコンテンツが一挙に披露された。パークの随所で新たな試みが展開し、歩くたびに物語が立ち上がるような体験が広がる。 プレビューにはブランドアンバサダーの北村匠海も登場し、冬の開幕を告げるセレモニーに華を添えた。 本記事では、そんな冬のパークを形づくる主要コンテンツを、紹介していく。
STAGE GREETING: “SCANDAL EVE” WITH YOU YOKOYAMA & HONAMI SUZUKI【TIFF2025】
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 19, 2025
On October 31, following the TIFF Series screening at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, the stage greeting for 'Scandal Eve' was held with SUPER EIGHT’s You Yokoyama and Honami Suzuki appearing together.
STAGE GREETING: “BLONDE”WITH TAKANORI IWATA, DIRECTOR YUICHIRO SAKASHITA, AND CAST【TIFF2025】
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 19, 2025
On November 4, ahead of its Competition screening at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, the stage greeting for the film “Blonde” (scheduled for release on November 21) was held with lead actor Takanori Iwata, co-stars Tamaki Shiratori, Maho Yamada, Kentaro Tamura, Chika Uchida, and director Yuichiro Sakashita in attendance.
REVIEW: TV ASAHI DREAM FESTIVAL 2025
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 17, 2025
tv asahi’s annual music extravaganza, widely known as “DreFes,” returned to Makuhari Messe in Chiba for three days from November 1 to November 3, 2025. Featuring an eclectic lineup that ranged from top-charting acts to breakout newcomers, the festival delivered a vibrant celebration of sound, creativity, and connection. This report highlights the excitement of Day 1, captured through on-site coverage.
Review: MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 - A ONE-NIGHT CELEBRATION THAT SHOOK TOKYO
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 17, 2025
On November 3, MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 ignited Tokyo Dome with a gathering of some of Asia’s most formidable artists. The evening unfolded as a parade of exclusive collaborations, each one unique to this event. As a host, Ryota Yamazato led the opening call, every artist’s appearance triggered waves of applause. Even the instant their faces appeared on the screens, the volume surged, saturating the venue with excitement from the very beginning.
Photos: Tokyo Drama Awards Reveal 2025 Winners
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 16, 2025
The Tokyo Drama Award honor not only the artistic quality of television productions, but also their marketability and commercial appeal. Under the concept of “Japanese dramas we want to showcase to the world,” the awards recognize outstanding works with strong potential to succeed internationally and meet global standards.
Photos: The 38th Annual Tokyo International Film Festival Red Carpet
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 16, 2025
Hibiya was filled with excitement as the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival opened on October 27, illuminating Tokyo Midtown Hibiya with its signature glamour. This year’s edition welcomed leading Japanese actors and filmmakers alongside prominent international guests, once again reaffirming the festival’s role as a global hub for cinematic exchange. The 162-meter (531-foot) red carpet set the stage for an impressive lineup, beginning with Sayuri Yoshinaga, Non, and director Junji Sakamoto from the opening film “Climbing for Life.” They were followed by Keiko Kitagawa, Kyoko Yoshine, Kaito Takahashi, Ko Shibasaki, Hikari Mitsushima, Elaiza Ikeda, Riho Yoshioka, Masaya Sano, Takanori Iwata, and other distinguished artists, along with renowned directors and guests from overseas. A total of 263 guests from Japan and abroad graced the carpet, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from fans gathered along the avenue. This feature presents a visual record of the many stars who illuminated the Tokyo International Film Festival red carpet.
公演レポート:MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 —東京ドームを揺らした一夜限りの祝祭
by Ayaka Ozaki - November 15, 2025
11月3日、東京ドームで「MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025」が開催された。アジアの音楽シーンを牽引する実力派が一堂に集まり、ここでしか見られない競演が続いた。開幕の呼び込みを務めた山里亮太の紹介に合わせ、出演者が姿を見せるたびに客席から熱狂が押し寄せた。モニターへ映し出される瞬間も歓声が膨れ上がり、イベントの空気は序盤から飽和状態であった。

Videos


LIL LEAGUE LIVE TOUR 2026 “Wonder Island�?
Tokyo Garden Theater (2/3 - 2/3)
Rigoletto
Opera Palace (2/17 - 2/28)
TOKYO FM開局55周年記念 BABYMETAL�?�メタラジ�?FES
Tokyo Garden Theater (3/29 - 3/29)
2026 JUNG YONG HWA SOLO LIVE IN JAPAN “One Last Day�?
Tokyo Garden Theater (2/24 - 2/25)
Educational Programme for High School Students L'elisir d'amore
Opera Palace (7/9 - 7/15)
AIMYON FAN CLUB TOUR 2026“PINKY PROMISE YOU�?vol.2
Tokyo Garden Theater (3/2 - 3/3)
Werther
Opera Palace (5/23 - 5/29)
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